DESCRIPTION: This course, the second of a two-course sequence, delves deeper into the language, literature, and culture of Ugarit, giving special attention to the ways that Ugaritology affects the study of the Hebrew Bible. Weekly seminar discussions on selected topics will expose students to the growing literature on Ugarit.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: The study of Ugaritic is crucial for students pursuing an advanced degree in Old Testament. Ugaritic has played an important role in informing the current understanding of Classical Hebrew. Furthermore, its literature and material culture provide insight into the world of ancient Israel.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students successfully completing this course will have demonstrated (1) intermediate competency in translating and understanding the Ugaritic language; (2) familiarity with the Ugaritic textual corpus in translation; (3) ability to articulate the significant contributions of Ugaritology (a) as its own self-contained field within ancient Near Eastern studies and (b) as it informs the interpretation of the Hebrew Bible and ancient Israelite religion and culture.

COURSE FORMAT: This course will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions. Class sessions will involve prepared translations in Ugaritic as well as discussions, lectures, and student presentations on various topics.

REQUIRED READING:

Bordreuil, Pierre, and Dennis Pardee. A Manual of Ugaritic. Winona Lake, IN: Eisenbrauns, 2009. ISBN: 978-1575061535 ($69.50).

Parker, Simon B., ed. Ugaritic Narrative Poetry. SBLWAW 9. Atlanta: Scholars Press, 1997. ISBN: 978-0788503375 ($19.95).

Pardee, Dennis. Ritual and Cult at Ugarit. SBLWAW 10. Atlanta: Society of Biblical Literature, 2002. ISBN: 978-1589830264 ($29.95).

Smith, Mark S. The Origins of Biblical Monotheism: Israel's Polytheistic Background and Ugaritic Texts. New York: Oxford University Press, 2001. ISBN: 978-0195167689 ($35.00).

Yon, Marguerite. The City of Ugarit at Tell Ras Shamra. Winona Lake, IN: Eisenbrauns, 2006. ISBN: 978-1575060293 ($37.50).

See course syllabus for recommended reading.